Download Continuous CRP CP 21 - Filter Strip - Conservation Opportunities for

CONTINUOUS CRP FACT SHEET
Nebraska Pheasants Forever
Continuous
CRP
January 2015
CP 21 - Filter Strip
Filter strips are designed to
Nebraska, filter strips often represent
remove sediment and other pollutants
the only uncultivated areas on
from runoff water before they are
farmland which provides critical
carried into water bodies or streams.
habitat for many types of birds and
Grass filter strips are typically
pollinators. Warm-season grasses
planted between
commonly used for
fields and water
filter strip plantings
“In Nebraska, filter strips often
bodies (rivers,
are known to
represent the only uncultivated
streams, lakes
provide nesting,
areas on farmland providing
and drainage
foraging,
and
critical habitat needs for birds,
ditches) to protect
brood
rearing
bees and butterflies .”
water quality. They
habitat for northern
slow runoff from agriculture
bobwhite quail and ring-necked
fields, trapping and filtering
pheasants. Filter strips that are
sediment, nutrients, pesticides and
planted to native grasses and
other potential pollutants.
wildflowers will provide greater
However, in extensive
wildlife habitat benefits.
agricultural areas, these filter strips
may serve as significant grassland
Grass filter strips, planted under
habitat available for wildlife.
the CRP program, CP21, range from
20 to 120 feet wide, depending on
Filter strips are usually planted
site characteristics and landowner
either to native warm-season grasses
goals. Periodic management of filter
or cool-season grasses, with the
strip vegetation is desirable to ensure
addition of native wildflowers and
proper plant growth and structure.
legumes. Common warm-season
Prescribed burning may also be used
grasses used in Nebraska filter strips
when an approved burn plan has been
include big bluestem, little bluestem,
developed.
switchgrass, and indiangrass. In
The USDA is an equal
opportunity provider
A carefully designed filter strip can reduce
erosion along stream banks such as this.
Vegetative filter strips can be planted in native
grass, legumes and forbs to provide wildlife
benefits while reducing runoff and erosion.
INTERESTING FACT
Wider filter strips offer greater wildlife
benefit than narrow strips. Filter strips
should be greater than 30 ft. wide to
provide the most benefit to quail and
pheasants.
CONTINUOUS CRP FACT SHEET
Nebraska Pheasants Forever
Purpose

Rental Rate
Removes nutrients, sediment, organic 
matter, pesticides and other pollutants
from surface runoff and subsurface
flow to protect water quality.
Provides significant wildlife habitat 
in intensively farmed areas.
Eligibility

Good example of a filter strip along the edge
of a natural riparian buffer. Photo courtesy
of NRCS.
Filter strips such as this can increase overall
ecological diversity by improving habitat for
a variety of animal species.

Annual payment based on the county
soil rental rate established for the
three predominate soils.
Additional incentive of 20% above
annual rental rate payment on all
acres.
Incentives
Acres must be cropland or considered
planted to an agricultural commodity 
during four of six crop years. Years
are determined by the Farm Bill.

Eligible acres may be signed up on a
continuous basis and do not have to
wait for a sign up period as long as
acres are available.

One time sign up bonus payment
(SIP) of $100 per acre.
Reimbursement payment of
approximately 50% of costs for
establishment and management
practices.
One time practice incentive payment
(PIP) of approximately 40% for
establishment costs once all the
practices are completed and initial
50% reimbursement payment is
made. Both of these payments
together make up about 90% of the
cost of establishment.

Does not have to be Highly Erodible
Land (HEL) to be eligible.

Filter Strips will be a minimum of 20
feet and a maximum of 120 feet from
the edge of the eligible body of
water.

CRP Filter Strips are only eligible on Management
cropland that is adjacent and parallel
 Mid-Contract Management (MCM) is
to streams, wetlands, and permanent
required at least once during the
bodies of water such as lakes/ponds.
length of the contract.
Contracts may have a duration of 10
 Managed haying and grazing is not
to 15 years.
allowed for this practice.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
The purpose of a filter strip is to protect streams and lakes from pollutants such as
sediment, nutrients and organic matter. Filter strips also significantly reduce soil erosion
while providing benefits to wildlife.
The USDA is an equal
opportunity provider
Through a partnership with Pheasants Forever
and Quail Forever, Nebraska Game & Parks
Commission and the Natural Resources
Conservation Service, wildlife biologists are
available to help provide wildlife habitat
guidance, technical assistance on the
available conservation programs and
design seeding mixtures.
For further information visit NebraskaPF.com or
call 844-733-3669.